Bollywood lost one of its most loved legends on Monday when Dharmendra passed away at 89. His death marked the end of an era shaped by his charm, warmth, and unforgettable screen presence. From ‘Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere’ to blockbusters like ‘Sholay’, ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’, ‘Raja Jani’, and ‘Chupke Chupke’, his journey remains etched in cinema history. In a recent interview, Dharmendra also revealed that he was first offered the role that eventually went to Rajesh Khanna in the classic Anand.
When he first realised he wasn’t part of the film
Dharmendra recalled the shock he felt when he learned he had been replaced in ‘Anand’. He remembered how excited he had been when Hrishikesh Mukherjee narrated the story to him during a trip. Speaking to ANI in June this year, he said, “We were going to Bengaluru. He told the whole story. I was charged, naturally. He was a great director. I was very happy, and because of that, I drank a few glasses of alcohol.”
But the next morning brought a rude surprise. “The next day, I read that Rajesh Khanna was working on it. So naturally, I was a little surprised. I didn’t have the courage to say it to him.”
What he told the director
Later, mustering courage, Dharmendra questioned Hrishikesh Mukherjee about the sudden change. He remembered asking him, “Where is my Anand?”Dharmendra recalled how the director tried to calm him down. “He told me to sleep… a little later, I again said, ‘Dada’… then he said, ‘Dharmendra, go to sleep’,” he recounted. But the disappointment stayed with him.“Neend nahi aati… Anand ki neend tabhi aayegi jab mere paas Anand hoga,” he had told him.See More: Dharmendra passes away: Prayer meet likely to be held this week, location yet to be finalised
His final rites
Dharmendra had been hospitalised at Breach Candy Hospital earlier this month due to health complications. He was discharged, but on Monday, the actor passed away at his Juhu residence.His final rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium, where family, colleagues, and admirers gathered to pay their respects.
